Risks Linger for Dakota Access Pipeline Despite Biden Reprieve

The threat of a shutdown still looms over Energy Transfer LP’s Dakota Access pipeline even after the Biden administration announced it wouldn’t take action against the project.

“It’s like a stay of execution or a continuation of trial—every day free or every day alive is a victory,” Southern Methodist University energy law professor James Coleman told Bloomberg Law. “But there continues to be uncertainty.”

The Army Corps of Engineers revealed its position Friday during a hearing at the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, saying it won’t take action against the oil pipeline “at this time.”

But the ...